Receiving wider acclaim than its larger sister the Stanza , the first generation of Sentra was introduced to replace the Datsun 210 in the U.S. It was available in four different body styles, including a two-door coupe, four-door sedan, five-door wagon and this three-door hatchback coupe.
Consumers thought enough of the Sentra to raise it to top-seller status, with consistently favorable review from all corners. Naturally there were complaints against the car, most of which stemmed form its under-powered engine. The standard engine was a 67-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder, which was eventually replaced by a 69 horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder. Transmission choices included a four or five-speed manual and a three-speed automatic.
The EPA rated the Sentra with some of the best gas mileage at the time. It got 43 mpg in the city and 58 mpg on the highway. Its light curb weight of a mere 1,875 pounds helped it be that efficient.
The Sentra may have held what many considered a lowly position but it repeatedly acquitted itself by winning numerous awards for dependability and economy. And when it went into production in America form 1985 onward, customers felt an additional pull toward the car. They were sold on its economy and easy driving, but kept coming back for its outstanding dependability.
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